but already

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but already" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that something has already happened, even if it was not expected. For example: We did not think we would be ready by the deadline, but already, our project is complete.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But already the jokes fly.

The Economist

But already they beckoned.

The New York Times - Magazine

But already he is losing his cool.

The New Yorker

But already the moment was gone.

The New Yorker

But already that's beginning to change.

The New Yorker

But already she was suppressing a grin.

The New Yorker

I was only twelve, but already hooked.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But that already existed.

The Economist

But enough already.

The New Yorker

But he already knows.

The New Yorker

But he already knew that.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but already" to introduce a surprising or unexpected development that contrasts with a previous state or expectation. It adds emphasis and a sense of immediacy.

Common error

Avoid overusing "but already" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but already" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, serving to connect two clauses while also indicating a contrast and a sense of immediacy. Ludwig examples show it introduces an unexpected development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but already" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase to introduce a contrast with an unexpected development. Grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in neutral contexts like news and media. While versatile, its use in formal writing should be considered carefully, with alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" being more appropriate in some cases. The high source quality and expert rating reflect its reliable and consistent usage across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, by then

Emphasizes the contrast with what happened before a specific time.

yet, even so

Highlights the unexpected nature of the subsequent event.

nonetheless, at this point

Indicates a shift in circumstances despite prior expectations.

even then, though

Highlights the occurrence of something contrary to what was anticipated

however, at that moment

Adds a sense of immediacy and surprise.

nevertheless, subsequently

Focuses on the sequence of events and the contrast between them.

still, at that stage

Implies a continuation or a development contrary to the previous state.

regardless, presently

Emphasizes that the prior situation did not prevent the current outcome.

in spite of that, now

Highlights the unexpected nature of something occurring.

despite everything, from now on

Highlights that something happened taking into account the context.

FAQs

How can I use "but already" in a sentence?

Use "but already" to introduce a contrast or unexpected development. For example, "We didn't expect to finish so soon, "but already", the project is complete".

What are some alternatives to "but already"?

You can use alternatives such as "however", "nevertheless", or "yet" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "but already" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but already" may sound less formal than alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "but already" and "but now"?

"But already" emphasizes that something has happened sooner than expected, while "but now" simply indicates a change in the current situation. The former carries a stronger sense of surprise or unexpectedness.